Could this become a life compass? Short but cool quotes I'd like to make my motto
Can you explain what a motto is—the kind you might be asked about in a job interview? A motto refers to words you keep in mind on a daily basis, using them as a guide for your actions and thinking.
When you’re struggling with relationships or on the verge of giving up, having a conviction engraved in your heart makes it easier to find your own solution.
So this time, we’ll introduce short but cool quotes that make great personal mottos.
The words of great figures, athletes, and other notable people who have overcome many hardships in life are sure to shine a light on your own journey.
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Could this be a life compass? Short but cool quotes I’d like to make my motto (1–10)
To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage.Confucius
Confucius, a philosopher from China’s Spring and Autumn period and known as the founder of Confucianism.
His famous saying, “To see what is right and not do it is a lack of courage,” means that failing to do what one ought to do as a human being stems from a deficiency of courage.
Even in everyday life, helping those in need is something we naturally should do as people, yet don’t we sometimes pretend not to notice out of embarrassment or similar feelings? This saying reminds us of the reality that there are people who could be saved if only we mustered the courage.
There is no piece that cannot move forward.Makoto Nakahara
Shogi player Makoto Nakahara, who holds five Lifetime Titles and also served as president of the Japan Shogi Association.
His famous saying, “There is no piece that cannot move forward,” truly reflects the unique perspective of a professional shogi player.
The eight types of pieces used in shogi each have different characteristics, but whether a piece is weak or strong, they all share the ability to move forward.
The message that anyone can make progress regardless of their abilities or circumstances can be a great source of courage for those on the verge of breaking.
It’s a quote to remember before you give up on something.
If you have no failures in life, you fail at life.Shigeta Saitō
Known by the nickname “Mota-san,” psychiatrist Shigeta Saito was also active as an essayist and public speaker.
His famous saying, “If you have no failures in life, you will fail in life,” is a message that warns us about the pitfalls of perfectionism.
No one wants to fail, and we tend to think that piling up only successes will make us happy.
However, if we keep pushing forward without ever experiencing failure, our hearts may break when we face difficulties we’ve never encountered before.
This quote reminds us that those who accumulate all kinds of experiences—knowing both success and failure—are the ones who ultimately succeed.
Could these become the pillars of your life? Short but cool quotes you’ll want as your motto (11–20)
Victory comes to those who are most patient.Napoleon Bonaparte
Napoleon Bonaparte, the military leader who restored order after the French Revolution and was crowned Emperor of the First French Empire.
His famous quote, “Victory belongs to the most persevering,” literally conveys the importance of enduring.
No matter how talented or capable you are, without opportunity you cannot grasp glory.
And many people fail to wait until that opportunity arrives, letting it slip away.
This quote teaches us that the patience needed to watch for the right timing and circumstances is the true key to success.
It’s hope and confidence that make things happen.Helen Keller
Helen Keller was an American author who, despite losing her sight and hearing shortly after birth, was active as a disability rights advocate, political activist, and public speaker.
Her famous quote, “Optimism and self-confidence are what make things happen,” quite literally emphasizes the importance of having hope and believing in yourself.
When we set big dreams or goals, many of us may feel discouraged by the long journey ahead and give up.
This message teaches us that first embracing hope and confidence—and carrying them through to the end—is essential for accomplishing great feats.
Excellent people quietly cultivate themselves and nurture their virtue.Zhuge Kongming
Zhuge Kongming, a statesman who was active from the late Eastern Han to the Three Kingdoms period and renowned as a genius strategist, is also remembered for his integrity and moral character.
His famous saying, “The virtuous cultivate themselves quietly and nurture their virtue,” reflects his philosophy.
It suggests that truly outstanding people neither boast of their abilities nor become arrogant; instead, they steadily refine themselves.
This message remains a timeless truth even today.
It’s a memorable quote, well worth adopting as a personal motto.
In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity.Albert Einstein
Albert Einstein, a theoretical physicist hailed as the greatest of the 20th century, left behind numerous achievements.
The famous quote, “In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity,” is a message that perhaps only Einstein—who fundamentally transformed the way physics was understood at the time—could deliver.
Avoiding difficulty isn’t inherently bad, but when avoidance leads to stagnation, choosing to confront challenges can reveal things we couldn’t see before.
This quote teaches us that precisely in the places everyone tends to avoid lies the chance to reach what no one else has achieved.